A NORTH-EAST dance group has been roping in some family help after it had to close three weeks ago because of the coronavirus lockdown.

Those who run the Puma Cheer and Dance group have been making sure the young members keep practising by enlisting their parents.

The group, which has 100 members and is based in Saltburn, is one of the most successful in the region, competing at national and international level.

Members were hoping to go to Italy later this year to represent England and defend their title in “Pom Dance”.

Coach and club owner Tara Bullock said: “It’s been heartbreaking but despite the disappointments these children have faced they have thrown themselves full swing into online virtual training.

“One of our challenges was to use family members to practise lifts and the families seem to have had a lot of laughs. I love seeing the children’s faces on virtual classes, but I can’t wait to get them all back in the gym working together.”

Nine year old Matilda from Redcar, who has been teaching her mum to do stunts, said: “She was surprised and said its really hard work.”